BILOXI, Mississippi -- When Southern Miss takes the field this fall, new coach Ellis Johnson will learn right away how his young squad will hold up against a quality opponent.

The Golden Eagles will walk into a hostile environment when they open the 2012 season at Nebraska on Sept. 1. The players on the field concern Johnson more than the fans in the stands, though.

"I'm concerned that we're playing a top-20 team," Johnson told supporters Saturday at the Gulf Coast Beach Blast. "They are going to be a heck of a football team, and we've got to open with them on the road."

One of Johnson's best players, senior Tracey Lampley, agrees that the focus must be on Nebraska.

"We've just got to play football and try to win the game," said Lampley, a wide receiver who Johnson said will be utilized various ways.

While Johnson thinks his squad is talented, he said they still lack experience.

"Sometimes age is the best weapon when you get into tough times in those tough ballgames," said Johnson. "We are going to have some young guys who are going to really get tested."

The Golden Eagles must deal with a lack of experience at quarterback and linebacker. Austin Davis, a four-year starter under center, is gone, and his replacement has yet to see the field as a college player.

"Whether (the starter) ends up being one of our returning guys or a high school guy coming in the door, whoever it is will not have played quarterback in college," said Johnson.

Johnson thought freshman quarterback Anthony Alford would not be slowed by a summer baseball stint with the Toronto Blue Jays' organization.

"I think that this summer is going to help him tremendously, but it is still not going to be college football snaps until he lines up and gets a little time on the practice field with our guys," said Johnson. "If and when he plays that first college game, it will be a huge step for him."

Development of depth at linebacker could play a big part in the Golden Eagles' fate this season.

"At linebacker, we are going to be very young," said Johnson. "Alan Howze (a junior from Ocean Springs) was extremely good and consistent and had a great spring."